Maslow's hierarchy of needs ranks security
second after physiological needs (like air, food and water).
(It will be interesting if, in the next decade or so, neuroscience ratifies his thesis)
Cascadia is subject to risks: high probability -
low impact events at one end of the spectrum and low probability - high
impact events at the other end.
Risk prevention and mitigation starts
with awareness. A "safety" culture like that in the aviation business
is not a "fearful" culture, it is a "professional" culture.
A "professional" culture focuses on: preparedness, mitigation,
risk managment and hazard assessment. It demands individual forethought, discipline,
responsibility and resourcefulness.
Natural disasters pose the most frequent sources of risk in Cascadia.
Floods, fires, and avalanches occur every year.
The threat posed by disease is expected to continue and may intensify in coming years.
Statistically a flu pandemic
is overdue.This threat is far greater than is generally acknowledged both from a probability and an impact standpoint.
Earthquakes occur frequently in Cascadia and the
"big one" will happen it is simply a question of time.
A central assumption of our society has been that we are not at war here but in
"peacetime" mode. Much of our infrastructure was built and is managed on this basis.
A variety of our critical infrastructures are subject to mis-use by potential
terrorists.
Nuclear and biological weapons proliferation is a growing concern as we enter the first part of the new millenium.
A variety of our new technologies may have unintended consequences or provide
tools for terrorists. This is a threat that is unlikely to go away in the next twenty years.
In a just-in-time manufacturing and logistics world we need to be prepared for the possibiliies of
serious shortages due to supply chain breakdowns.Think of the impact of an H5N1 pandemic on global oil production,
refining and distribution and the implications.Individual preparedness is community preparedness.
Energy security and food security will be important features of 21st Century planning.
Statistically, we are all going to die.:-) Bunker approaches to life make no sense.
Not buying insurance on your house is equally nonsensical. Balance is called for in all things.